Electronic device with hinge defining an asymmetrical service loop for a flexible display and corresponding systems and methods

ABSTRACT

An electronic device includes a hinge coupling at least a first device housing to a second device housing. A flexible display is coupled to the first device housing and the second device housing and spans the hinge. The first device housing defines a curvilinear recess forming at least some of the flexible display into an asymmetrical service loop when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge from an axially displaced open position to a closed position. Additional hinges and device housings can be added to accommodate flexible displays of varying lengths.

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application claiming priority andbenefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 U.S. application Ser. No. 16/016,316,filed Jun. 22, 2018, which is incorporated by reference for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to electronic devices andcorresponding methods, and more particularly to hinged electronicdevices.

Background Art

Sophisticated mobile electronic communication devices, such assmartphones, tablet computers, and laptop computers, are becomingincreasingly popular and are used by billions of people. These ownersuse mobile communication devices for many different purposes including,but not limited to, voice communications and data communications fortext messaging, Internet browsing, commerce such as banking, and socialnetworking.

Traditionally, handheld devices came in different mechanicalconfigurations. A first configuration, known as a “candy bar,” isgenerally rectangular in shape, has a rigid form factor, and has adisplay that is always visible. By contrast, a “clamshell” device has amechanical hinge that allows one housing to pivot relative to the other.While there are also “pivot,” “slider,” and other devices, the candy barand flip devices tend to be the most popular.

While candy bar devices offer simplicity of use, some consumers prefer aclamshell device. This can be true for a variety of reasons. Clamshelldevices, when folded, generally have a smaller form factor than do candybar devices. They therefore fit more easily in a pocket. Next, clamshelldevices provide protection from the display when folded. This is incontrast to candy bar devices where the display is always exposed.

At the same time, market trends indicate that consumers have a generalpreference for devices with large displays. However, a hinge frequentlyinterrupts the display of most clamshell devices, thereby limiting thesize that the display can ultimately achieve. It would be desirable tohave an improved electronic device that reconciles these issues byoffers a larger display while still being able to fold about a hinge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one explanatory pivotable electronic device inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partially cut away view of one explanatoryelectronic device in an open state where a first device housing ispivoted about a hinge away from a second device housing to an openposition in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of one explanatory electronic devicein accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates perspective and sectional views of one explanatoryelectronic device in a closed state where the first device housing ispivoted about the hinge toward the second device housing to a closedposition in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flexible display defining an asymmetrical serviceloop in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates one explanatory electronic device in a partially openstate where the first device housing is partially pivoted about thehinge away from the second device housing toward, but not fully to, anopen position in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates another explanatory electronic device in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates another explanatory electronic device in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates various embodiments of the disclosure.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure are now described in detail. Referring tothe drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. Asused in the description herein and throughout the claims, the followingterms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includesplural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Relationalterms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be usedsolely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or actionwithout necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationshipor order between such entities or actions.

As used herein, components may be “operatively coupled” when informationcan be sent between such components, even though there may be one ormore intermediate or intervening components between, or along theconnection path. The terms “substantially” and “about” are used to referto dimensions, orientations, or alignments inclusive of manufacturingtolerances. Thus, a “substantially orthogonal” angle with amanufacturing tolerance of plus or minus two degrees would include allangles between 88 and 92, inclusive. Also, reference designators shownherein in parenthesis indicate components shown in a figure other thanthe one in discussion. For example, talking about a device (10) whilediscussing figure A would refer to an element, 10, shown in figure otherthan figure A.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a hinged electronic device, i.e.,a clamshell device, which includes a flexible display. In oneembodiment, the electronic device includes only a first device housingand a second device housing. However, in other embodiments, such asthose described below with reference to FIG. 7, the electronic devicecan have three, four, five, or more device housings for a truly long,extendable display.

Beginning with an embodiment having only a first device housing and asecond device housing, in one or more embodiments a hinge couples afirst device housing and a second device housing such that the firstdevice housing is pivotable about the hinge toward, or away from, thesecond device housing. The flexible display is inwardly folding anddeforms when the first device housing of the electronic device pivotstoward the second electronic device housing about the hinge from an openposition toward or to a closed position.

In one or more embodiments, one of the first device housing or thesecond device housing defines a curvilinear recess, while the other ofthe first device housing or the second device housing is substantiallyplanar. This asymmetry between device housings forms at least some ofthe flexible display into an asymmetrical service loop when the firstdevice housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge froman axially displaced open position to a closed position.

The use of an asymmetric service loop when the first device housing andthe second device housing pivot about the hinge from an axiallydisplaced open position to a closed position offers numerous advantages.To begin, the use of an asymmetric service loop with a foldable displayallows for the overall electronic device to be thinner. This is true dueto the fact that the asymmetric service loop allows for better ways topackage the electronics within the device. Illustrating by example, aswill be described in more detail below, the inclusion of an asymmetricloop means that the two device housings coupled by a hinge do not needto be the same thickness. Additionally, only one device housing requiresa curvilinear recess, thereby resulting in an additional thicknessreduction. Moreover, the use of a flexible display that folds allows theuser to experience a larger display, when the first device housing andthe second device housing pivot about the hinge from the closed positionto the axially displaced open position, while still maintaining arelatively small form factor when the first device housing and thesecond device housing pivot about the hinge from the axially displacedopen position to the closed position.

In one or more embodiments, the asymmetrical service loop defines ahemi-cardioid contour defining a convex lobe extending to a bifurcateddistal cusp when the first device housing and the second device housingpivot about the hinge from the axially displaced open position to theclosed position. In one or more embodiments, a first portion of thehemi-cardioid contour disposed to a first side of an axis bisecting thebifurcated distal cusp defines both a convex contour and a concavecontour abutting the curvilinear recess. In one or more embodiments, afirst radius of the convex contour is less than a second radius of theconcave contour. For example, the first radius may be about fivemillimeters, while the second radius is about three millimeters.

This hemi-cardioid contour defining its convex lobe extending to thebifurcated distal cusp when the first device housing and the seconddevice housing pivot about the hinge from the axially displaced openposition to the closed position advantageously allows for an inwardlyfoldable electronic device that does not increase thickness over aconventional, hinged, electronic device. The inclusion of both theconvex contour and the concave contour advantageously allows electronicdevices configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure tomeet minimum bending radius requirements associated with foldabledisplays without increasing overall device thickness. Moreover, itallows for inwardly foldable devices that encapsulate the flexibledisplay when in the closed position, rather than having externallyfacing displays when the device is folded. What's more, embodiments ofthe disclosure allow for a combination of bend angles to meet displayrequirements or to meet device form factor requirements.

Turning now to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is one explanatory electronicdevice 100 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure. The electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 is a portable electronicdevice. For illustrative purposes, the electronic device 100 is shown asa smartphone. However, the electronic device 100 could be any number ofother devices as well, including tablet computers, laptop computers,gaming devices, multimedia players, and so forth. Still other types ofelectronic devices can be configured in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure as will be readily appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The electronic device 100 includes a first device housing 102 and asecond device housing 103. In one or more embodiments, a hinge 101couples the first device housing 102 to the second device housing 103.In one or more embodiments, the first device housing 102 is selectivelypivotable about the hinge 101 relative to the second device housing 103.For example, in one or more embodiments the first device housing 102 isselectively pivotable about the hinge 101 between a closed position,shown and described below with reference to FIG. 4, and an openposition, shown and described below with reference to FIG. 2.

In one or more embodiments the first device housing 102 and the seconddevice housing 103 are manufactured from a rigid material such as arigid thermoplastic, metal, or composite material, although othermaterials can be used. Still other constructs will be obvious to thoseof ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. Inthe illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, the electronic device 100includes a single hinge. However, in other embodiments, such as thosedescribed below with reference to FIG. 7, two or more hinges can beincorporated into the electronic device 100 to allow it to be folded inmultiple locations.

This illustrative electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 includes a display105. The display 105 can optimally be touch-sensitive. In one embodimentwhere the display 105 is touch-sensitive, the display 105 can serve as aprimary user interface of the electronic device 100. Users can deliveruser input to the display 105 of such an embodiment by delivering touchinput from a finger, stylus, or other objects disposed proximately withthe display.

In one embodiment, the display 105 is configured as an organic lightemitting diode (OLED) display fabricated on a flexible plasticsubstrate. This allows the display 105 to be flexible so as to deformwhen the first device housing 102 pivots about the hinge 101 relative tothe second device housing 103. However, it should be noted that othertypes of displays would be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of this disclosure. In one or more embodiments, anOLED is constructed on flexible plastic substrates can allow the display105 to become flexible in one or more embodiments with various bendingradii. For example, some embodiments allow bending radii of betweenthirty and six hundred millimeters to provide a bendable display. Othersubstrates allow bending radii of around five millimeters to provide adisplay that is foldable through active bending. Other displays can beconfigured to accommodate both bends and folds. In one or moreembodiments the display 105 may be formed from multiple layers offlexible material such as flexible sheets of polymer or other materials.

In this illustrative embodiment, the display 105 is coupled to the firstdevice housing 102 and the second device housing 103. Accordingly, thedisplay 105 spans the hinge 101 in this embodiment. In one or moreembodiments the display 105 is actually coupled to one, or two, slidabletrays that situate within one or both of the first device housing 102and the second device housing 103. The use of one or two slidable traysadvantageously allows the display 105 to be placed in tension when theelectronic device 100 is in the open position. This causes the display105 to be flat, rather than wavy due to mechanical memory effects, whenthe electronic device 100 is in the open position.

Features can be incorporated into the first device housing 102 and/orthe second device housing 103. Examples of such features include anoptional camera 106 or an optional speaker port 107, which are showndisposed on the rear side of the electronic device 100 in thisembodiment, but could be placed on the front side as well. In thisillustrative embodiment, a user interface component 108, which may be abutton or touch sensitive surface, can also be disposed along the rearside of the first device housing 102. As noted, any of these featuresare shown being disposed on the rear side of the electronic device 100in this embodiment, but could be located elsewhere, such as on the frontside in other embodiments.

In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 includes one or moreconnectors 109,110, which can include an analog connector, a digitalconnector, or combinations thereof. In this illustrative embodiment,connector 109 is an analog connector disposed on a first end, i.e., thetop end as viewed in FIG. 1, of the electronic device 100, whileconnector 110 is a digital/power connector disposed on a second endopposite the first end, which is the bottom end as viewed in FIG. 1.

A schematic block diagram 111 of the electronic device 100 is also shownin FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 includes one ormore processors 112. In one embodiment, the one or more processors 112can include an application processor and, optionally, one or moreauxiliary processors. One or both of the application processor or theauxiliary processor(s) can include one or more processors. One or bothof the application processor or the auxiliary processor(s) can be amicroprocessor, a group of processing components, one or more ASICs,programmable logic, or other type of processing device.

The application processor and the auxiliary processor(s) can be operablewith the various components of the electronic device 100. Each of theapplication processor and the auxiliary processor(s) can be configuredto process and execute executable software code to perform the variousfunctions of the electronic device 100. A storage device, such as memory113, can optionally store the executable software code used by the oneor more processors 112 during operation.

In this illustrative embodiment, the electronic device 100 also includesa communication circuit 114 that can be configured for wired or wirelesscommunication with one or more other devices or networks. The networkscan include a wide area network, a local area network, and/or personalarea network. Examples of wide area networks include GSM, CDMA, W-CDMA,CDMA-2000, iDEN, TDMA, 2.5 Generation 3GPP GSM networks, 3rd Generation3GPP WCDMA networks, 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, and 3GPP2CDMA communication networks, UMTS networks, E-UTRA networks, GPRSnetworks, iDEN networks, and other networks.

The communication circuit 114 may also utilize wireless technology forcommunication, such as, but are not limited to, peer-to-peer or ad hoccommunications such as HomeRF, Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11(a, b, g or n),and other forms of wireless communication such as infrared technology.The communication circuit 114 can include wireless communicationcircuitry, one of a receiver, a transmitter, or transceiver, and one ormore antennas 115.

In one embodiment, the one or more processors 112 can be responsible forperforming the primary functions of the electronic device 100. Forexample, in one embodiment the one or more processors 112 comprise oneor more circuits operable with one or more user interface devices, whichcan include the display 105, to present, images, video, or otherpresentation information to a user. The executable software code used bythe one or more processors 112 can be configured as one or more modules116 that are operable with the one or more processors 112. Such modules116 can store instructions, control algorithms, logic steps, and soforth.

In one embodiment, the one or more processors 112 are responsible forrunning the operating system environment of the electronic device 100.The operating system environment can include a kernel and one or moredrivers, and an application service layer, and an application layer. Theoperating system environment can be configured as executable codeoperating on one or more processors or control circuits of theelectronic device 100. The application layer can be responsible forexecuting application service modules. The application service modulesmay support one or more applications or “apps.” The applications of theapplication layer can be configured as clients of the applicationservice layer to communicate with services through application programinterfaces (APIs), messages, events, or other inter-processcommunication interfaces. Where auxiliary processors are used, they canbe used to execute input/output functions, actuate user feedbackdevices, and so forth.

In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 includes one or more flexsensors 117, operable with the one or more processors 112, to detect abending operation that causes the first device housing 102 to pivotabout the hinge 101 relative to the second device housing 103, therebytransforming the electronic device 100 into a deformed geometry, such asthat shown in FIG. 5. The inclusion of flex sensors 117 is optional, andin some embodiment flex sensors 117 will not be included.

In one embodiment, the flex sensors 117 comprise passive resistivedevices manufactured from a material with an impedance that changes whenthe material is bent, deformed, or flexed. By detecting changes in theimpedance as a function of resistance, the one or more processors 112can use the one or more flex sensors 117 to detect bending of the firstdevice housing 102 about the hinge 101 relative to the second devicehousing 103. In one or more embodiments, each flex sensor 117 comprisesa bi-directional flex sensor that can detect flexing or bending in twodirections. In one embodiment, the one or more flex sensors 117 have animpedance that increases in an amount that is proportional with theamount it is deformed or bent.

In one embodiment, each flex sensor 117 is manufactured from a series oflayers combined together in a stacked structure. In one embodiment, atleast one layer is conductive, and is manufactured from a metal foilsuch as copper. A resistive material provides another layer. Theselayers can be adhesively coupled together in one or more embodiments.The resistive material can be manufactured from a variety of partiallyconductive materials, including paper-based materials, plastic-basedmaterials, metallic materials, and textile-based materials. In oneembodiment, a thermoplastic such as polyethylene can be impregnated withcarbon or metal so as to be partially conductive, while at the same timebeing flexible.

In one embodiment, the resistive layer is sandwiched between twoconductive layers. Electrical current flows into one conductive layer,through the resistive layer, and out of the other conductive layer. Asthe flex sensor 117 bends, the impedance of the resistive layer changes,thereby altering the flow of current for a given voltage. The one ormore processors 112 can detect this change to determine an amount ofbending. Taps can be added along each flex sensor 117 to determine otherinformation, including the amount of bending, the direction of bending,and so forth. The flex sensor 117 can further be driven by time-varyingsignals to increase the amount of information obtained from the flexsensor 117 as well. While a multi-layered device as a flex sensor 117 isone configuration suitable for detecting at least a bending operationoccurring to deform the electronic device 100 and a geometry of theelectronic device 100 after the bending operation, others can be used aswell. Other types of flex sensors 117 will be obvious to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one embodiment, the one or more processors 112 may generate commandsor execute control operations based on information received from thevarious sensors, including the one or more flex sensors 117, the userinterface 118, or the other sensors 119. The one or more processors 112may also generate commands or execute control operations based uponinformation received from a combination of the one or more flex sensors117, the user interface 118, or the other sensors 119. Alternatively,the one or more processors 112 can generate commands or execute controloperations based upon information received from the one or more flexsensors 117 or the user interface 118 alone. Moreover, the one or moreprocessors 112 may process the received information alone or incombination with other data, such as the information stored in thememory 113.

The one or more other sensors 119 may include a microphone, an earpiecespeaker, a second loudspeaker (disposed beneath speaker port 107), and auser interface component such as a button or touch-sensitive surface.The one or more other sensors 119 may also include key selectionsensors, proximity sensors, a touch pad sensor, a touch screen sensor, acapacitive touch sensor, and one or more switches. Touch sensors mayused to indicate whether any of the user actuation targets present onthe display 105 are being actuated. Alternatively, touch sensorsdisposed in the electronic device 100 can be used to determine whetherthe electronic device 100 is being touched at side edges or major facesof the first device housing 102 or the second device housing 103. Thetouch sensors can include surface and/or housing capacitive sensors inone embodiment. The other sensors 119 can also include audio sensors andvideo sensors (such as a camera).

The other sensors 119 can also include motion detectors, such as one ormore accelerometers or gyroscopes. For example, an accelerometer may beembedded in the electronic circuitry of the electronic device 100 toshow vertical orientation, constant tilt and/or whether the electronicdevice 100 is stationary. The measurement of tilt relative to gravity isreferred to as “static acceleration,” while the measurement of motionand/or vibration is referred to as “dynamic acceleration.” A gyroscopecan be used in a similar fashion.

Other components 120 operable with the one or more processors 112 caninclude output components such as video outputs, audio outputs, and/ormechanical outputs. Examples of output components include audio outputssuch as speaker port 107, earpiece speaker, or other alarms and/orbuzzers and/or a mechanical output component such as vibrating ormotion-based mechanisms. Still other components will be obvious to thoseof ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

It is to be understood that FIG. 1 is provided for illustrative purposesonly and for illustrating components of one electronic device 100 inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure, and is not intended to bea complete schematic diagram of the various components required for anelectronic device. Therefore, other electronic devices in accordancewith embodiments of the disclosure may include various other componentsnot shown in FIG. 1, or may include a combination of two or morecomponents or a division of a particular component into two or moreseparate components, and still be within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 2, illustrated therein is a partially cutaway viewof the first device housing 102 and the second device housing 103 in anopen position 201. In the open position 201, the first device housing102 is rotated about the hinge 101 to be 180-degrees out of phase withthe second device housing 103 such that the first device housing 102 andthe second device housing 103 effectively define a plane. When thisoccurs, the flexible display (105), which is not shown in FIG. 2,flattens into an elongated into a flat position. In one or moreembodiments this occurs due to the action of one or more slidable trays202 disposed within one or both of the first device housing 102 and thesecond device housing 103.

The hinge 101 in this illustrative embodiment can be configured asdescribed in commonly assigned U.S. application Ser. No. 15/610,368,filed May 31, 2017, entitled, “Electronic Device with Hinge andCorresponding Systems and Methods,” which is incorporated herein byreference for all purposes. In one or more embodiments, the hinge 101includes a first cam 203 and a second cam 204. A first toothed wheel anda second toothed wheel can be positioned adjacent to one or both of thefirst cam 203 and the second cam 204 to create a symmetric angularrotation of the first device housing 102 and the second device housing103 when the first device housing 102 pivots about the hinge 101relative to the second device housing 103. In this illustrativeembodiment, the display (105) situates between the first cam 203 and thesecond cam 204.

Housing members (not shown in FIG. 2, but shown covering the first cam203 and the second cam 204 in FIG. 4) can couple to the first devicehousing 102 and the second device housing 103. These housing members canperform two functions. First, they can provide an axis for a first pivotand a second pivot of the hinge 101. Second, they can provide housingsfor followers 205,206,207,208 to bias against the first cam 203 and thesecond cam 204.

In one or more embodiments, the housing members are separate from thefirst device housing 102 and the second device housing 103, but arecoupled fixedly thereto by fasteners. In other embodiments, the housingmembers can be integrated into the first device housing 102 and thesecond device housing 103. In either embodiment, the housing memberseffectively become sides and contours of the first device housing 102and the second device housing 103. Accordingly, as used herein thehousing members can alternatively be referred to as components of,extensions of, or portions of the first device housing 102 and thesecond device housing 103, respectively.

In FIG. 2, the housing members have been removed so that action of thefollowers 205,206,207,208 biased against the first cam 203 and thesecond cam 204 can more readily be seen. In one or more embodiments, acorresponding follower and spring is disposed within each of the housingmembers. Accordingly, in one or more embodiments where two cams, i.e.,the first cam 203 and the second cam 204, are included, the hinge 101will include four followers and four springs. Where only one cam isused, two followers and two springs will be used. Other configurationswill be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefitof this disclosure.

The springs 211,212,213,214 bias the followers 205,206,207,208 againstthe first cam 203 and the second cam 204. The followers 205,206,207,208move about the first cam 203 and the second cam 204 when the firstdevice housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge fromthe axially displaced open position 201 to a closed position, and viceversa. The springs 211,212,213,214 bias the first device housing 102away from the second device housing 103 when the first device housing102 and the second device housing 103 pivot about the hinge 101 to theaxially displaced open position 201 from the closed position of FIG. 4.

In one or more embodiments, the first device housing 102 and the seconddevice housing 103 each define linear recesses 215,216 into which theflexible display may be positioned. Near the hinge 101, one of the firstdevice housing 102 or the second device housing 103 defines acurvilinear recess 217, while the other linear recess surface 218 issubstantially planar. In this illustrative embodiment, the curvilinearrecess 217 defines a boundary portion of the linear recess 215 in thefirst device housing 102. The inclusion of the curvilinear recess 217provides the flexible display room to form a service loop when the firstdevice housing 102 and the second device housing 103 pivot about thehinge 101 to the closed position.

In one or more embodiments, only one of the first device housing 102 orthe second device housing 103 defines a curvilinear recess 217. In thisillustrative embodiment, the first device housing 102 defines thecurvilinear recess 217, while the linear recess surface 218 in thesecond device housing 103 is substantially planar. Said differently,another housing of the first device housing 102 or the second devicehousing 103, which is the second device housing 103 in this example,defines a linear recess, i.e., linear recess surface 218) into which theflexible display can be positioned. This asymmetry between linear recesssurfaces causes the curvilinear recess 217 of the first device housing102 to form at least some of the flexible display into an asymmetricalservice loop when the first device housing 102 and the second devicehousing 103 housing pivot about the hinge from the axially displacedopen position 201 of FIG. 2 to the closed position of FIG. 4.

Where electrical components, e.g., processors, memories, communicationcircuits, and other component described in the schematic block diagram(111) of FIG. 1 are positioned in each of the first device housing 102and the second device housing 103, a flexible conductor 219 can beincluded between the hinge 101 and the display. The flexible conductor219, which can bend as the first device housing 102 and the seconddevice housing 103 pivot about the hinge 101 to the closed position,allows electrical signals to pass back and forth between the firstdevice housing 102 and the second device housing 103. In someembodiments, the flexible conductor 219 can provide mechanical supportfor the flexible display when the first device housing 102 and thesecond device housing 103 pivot about the hinge 101 to the closedposition as well.

In one or more embodiments, the springs 211,212,213,214, the followers205,206,207,208, and the first cam 203 and the second cam 204 can all bemanufactured from electrically conductive materials. When this occurs,the springs 211,212,213,214, the followers 205,206,207,208, and thefirst cam 203 and the second cam 204 can define an electricallyconductive pathway between the first device housing 102 and the seconddevice housing 103. This electrically conductive pathway can be used inconjunction with the flexible conductor 219. For instance, the flexibleconductor 219 may include traces and conduits that transfer power,digital signals, and analog signals between electrical componentsdisposed in the first device housing 102 and the second device housing103, while the electrically conductive pathway defined by the springs211,212,213,214, the followers 205,206,207,208, and the first cam 203and the second cam 204 can provide a return path and/or define a commonnode for the electronic device. Other electrical configurations will beobvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 3, illustrated therein is an exploded view of oneexplanatory electronic device 100 configured in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure. As before, the electronic device 100includes a first device housing 102 and a second device housing 103. Ahinge 101 couples the first device housing 102 to the second devicehousing 103. The first device housing 102 is pivotable about the hinge101 relative to the second device housing 103 as previously described.

A flexible display 302, shown disposed beneath a flexible fascia 301,can be coupled to the first device housing 102 and the second devicehousing 103 so as to span the hinge 101. This means that the flexibledisplay 302 deforms when the first device housing 102 pivots about thehinge 101 relative to the second device housing 103.

In this illustrative embodiment, a first end 303 of the flexible display302 is coupled to the second device housing 103. The second end 304 ofthe flexible display 302 is coupled to a tray 305. The tray 305 isslidably coupled to the first device housing 102, and is biased awayfrom the hinge 101 by at least a third spring 306.

It should be noted that while only one tray 305 is shown in FIG. 3, thesecond device housing 103 could likewise include a tray that is slidablycoupled to the second device housing 103, and is biased away from thehinge 101 by at least a fourth spring. In such an embodiment, ratherthan being coupled to the second device housing 103, the first end 303of the flexible display 302 could be coupled to the second tray.

In either embodiment, the springs bias the trays away from the hinge 101to flatten the flexible display 302 when the first device housing 102pivots about the hinge 101 away from the second device housing 103 tothe open position (201). In this illustrative embodiment, the flexibleconductor 219 is disposed beneath the flexible display 302 and has afirst end coupled to the second device housing 103, while a second endis coupled to the tray 305.

Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrated therein is the electronic device 100in a closed state. In this state, the first device housing 102 has beenpivoted about the hinge 101 toward the second device housing 103 to aclosed position 401. When in the closed position 401, an interiorsurface of the first device housing 102 abuts an interior surface of thesecond device housing 103. Effectively, the first device housing 102 andthe second device housing 103 are analogous to clam shells that havebeen shut by the claim, thereby giving rise to the “clamshell” style ofdevice.

FIG. 4 also shows a sectional view 402 of the electronic device 100 inthe closed position 401. In the sectional view 402 it can be seen thatthe third spring 306 biases the tray 305 away from the hinge 101, andthus the second device housing 103 to straighten the flexible display302 when the first device housing 102 is pivoted about the hinge 101away from the second device housing 103 to the open position (201).

Also visible in the sectional view 402 of FIG. 4 is the curvilinearrecess 217 that gives the flexible display 302 room to form a serviceloop when the first device housing 102 and the second device housing 103pivot about the hinge 101 to the closed position 401. Turning briefly toFIG. 5, this service loop 500 is shown.

This service loop 500 occurs due to the fact that the flexible display302 deforms when the first device housing (102) pivots about the hinge(101) relative to the second device housing (103). The service loop 500then becomes planar, as shown in FIG. 1, when the first device housing(102) and the second device housing (103) pivot about the hinge (101) tothe axially displaced open position (201) from the closed position(401).

The curvilinear recess (217) of the first device housing (102) causes,when the first device housing (102) and the second device housing (103)pivot about the hinge (101) from the axially displaced open position(201) to the closed position (401), the flexible display to define theservice loop 500. In this illustrative embodiment, the service loop 500is asymmetrical. This asymmetry is due to the fact that the service loop500 defines a hemi-cardioid contour 501. In this illustrativeembodiment, the hemi-cardioid contour 501 defines a convex lobe 502extending to a bifurcated distal cusp 503.

As used herein, a “cardioid” is a heart-shaped curve traced by a pointon the circumference of a circle as it rolls around another identicalcircle. The service loop 500 of FIG. 5 comprises a hemi-cardioid contour501 due to the fact that a first portion 504 of the hemi-cardioidcontour 501, which is disposed to a first side 505 of an axis 506bisecting the bifurcated distal cusp 503 is substantially flat, while asecond portion 511 of the hemi-cardioid contour 501, disposed to asecond side 512 of the axis 506 bisecting the bifurcated distal cusp 503defines both a convex contour 507 and a concave contour 508. In thisillustrative embodiment, the first portion 504 of the hemi-cardioidcontour 501 disposed to the first side 505 of the axis 506 bisecting thebifurcated distal cusp 503 defines a linear portion extending distallyfrom the convex lobe 502.

When the first device housing (102) and the second device housing (103)pivot about the hinge (101) from the axially displaced open position(201) to the closed position (401), convex contour 507 and the concavecontour 508 abut the curvilinear recess (217). The convex contour 507 isdenoted “convex” because it is convex relative to the surface of thecurvilinear recess (217). Similarly, the concave contour 508 is denoted“concave” because it is concave relative to the surface of thecurvilinear recess (217).

The bifurcated distal cusp 503 is “bifurcated” due to the fact that afirst portion 509 of the flexible display 302 disposed to the first side505 of the axis 506 bisecting the bifurcated distal cusp 503 isseparated from a second portion 510 of the flexible display 302 disposedto a second side 512 of the axis 506 bisecting the bifurcated distalcusp 503. Thus, while a geometric hemi-cardioid contour may include anintersecting cusp defining a point, in this illustrative embodiment theconvex lobe 502 of the hemi-cardioid contour 501 extends to a bifurcateddistal cusp 503.

In one or more embodiments, the length of a first radius 513 of theconvex contour 507 is less than the length of a second radius 514 of theconcave contour 508. Illustrating by example, in one embodiment, thelength of a first radius 513 of the convex contour 507, and thereforethe radius of the convex lobe 502, is between two and six millimeters,inclusive, while the length of a second radius 514 of the concavecontour 508 is greater than this, such as between six and tenmillimeters, inclusive. In one or more embodiments, the length of afirst radius 513 of the convex contour 507 is about five millimeters. Inone or more embodiments, the length of a first radius 513 of the convexcontour 507 is about three millimeters.

Turning now back to FIG. 4, the fact that the service loop 500 isasymmetrical, due to the fact that a first portion of the service loopdefines a convex lobe while a second portion of the service loop 500defines a linear portion extending distally from the concave lobe,allows the first device housing 102 and the second device housing 103 tohave different thicknesses. In this example, since the first devicehousing 102 accommodates the convex lobe, it is thicker than the seconddevice housing 103. Said differently, in this embodiment the firstdevice housing 102 has a cross-sectional thickness 307 that is thickerthan another cross-sectional thickness 308 of the second device housing103. In one or more embodiments, the cross-sectional thickness 307 ofthe first device housing 102 is about six millimeters, while thecross-sectional thickness 308 of the second device housing 103 isbetween three and six millimeters.

When the first device housing 102 and the second device housing 103pivot about the hinge 101 to the closed position 401, the curvilinearrecess 217 translates radially about the first pivot 209 to becomeexposed to, and to receive, the service loop 500 of the flexible display302. This area for the service loop 500 prevents the flexible display302 from kinking or folding. At the same time, it allows for the overallelectronic device to be thinner.

Where, for example, the flexible display 302 has a minimum bendingradius of about five millimeters, if a symmetrical service loop wereused, e.g., one defining a U-shape, the symmetry would the overallthickness the device, as ten millimeters of space would required betweenthe folds. By using an asymmetrical bend, embodiments of the disclosurecan decrease the overall thickness of by at least twenty percent. Theservice loop 500 advantageously allows for an inwardly foldableelectronic device that does not increase thickness over a conventional,hinged, electronic device. The inclusion of both the convex contour andthe concave contour advantageously allows for inwardly foldable devicesthat encapsulate the flexible display 302 when in the closed position(401), rather than having externally facing displays when the device isfolded. It also works to minimize mechanical memory problems when thefirst device housing 102 and the second device housing 103 pivot aboutthe hinge 101 to the open position (201).

In one or more embodiments, magnets 309,310 can be incorporated into theinterior surfaces of the first device housing 102 and the second devicehousing 103. For instance, magnets 309,310 can be placed in the firstdevice housing 102 and the second device housing 103 to retain the firstdevice housing 102 and the second device housing 103 in the closedposition 401. When in the closed position 401, the tray 305 slidestoward the hinge 101, thereby compressing the third spring 306.

Turning now to FIG. 6, illustrated therein is the electronic device 100being transitioned between the closed position (401) of FIG. 4 and theaxially displaced open position (201) of FIG. 2. When the first devicehousing 102 is pivoting about the hinge 101 away from the second devicehousing 103 toward an open position, the service loop 500 extends andexpands, ultimately becoming planar when the first device housing 102and the second device housing 103 pivot about the hinge 101 to theaxially displaced open position (201) from the closed position (401).The position shown in FIG. 6 is a “tent position” 601.

To this point, electronic devices configured in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure have only included a first device housing102 and a second device housing 103. However, by adding additionalhinges and additional device housings the concepts described herein,along with the use of asymmetrical service loops, can be extended toaccommodate even larger flexible displays without becoming longer andwider in the folded position. Turning now to FIG. 7, illustrated thereinis one embodiment of how this can occur.

As shown in FIG. 7, an electronic device 700 includes a plurality ofhinges 701,702,703,704 and a plurality of device housings705,706,707,708,709. While four hinges 701,702,703,704 and five devicehousings 705,706,707,708,709, fewer than, or more than, the four hinges701,702,703,704 and five device housings 705,706,707,708,709 could beused as well to create an electronic device that folds in an accordionfold.

As before, a first hinge 701 couples a first device housing 705 to asecond device housing 706. A flexible display 710 spans the hinge 701.The second device housing 706 defines a curvilinear recess 711 thatforms at least some of the flexible display 710 into an asymmetricalservice loop 712 when the first device housing 705 and the second devicehousing 706 pivot about the hinge 701 from an axially displaced openposition to the closed position shown in FIG. 7.

However, rather than the second device housing 706 terminating at anedge, it terminates instead at a second hinge 702. The second hinge 702couples the second device housing 706 to a third device housing 707.While the flexible display 710 could pass through apertures in both thesecond device housing 706 and the third device housing 707, in thisillustrative embodiment the flexible display 710 passes about anexterior of the second hinge 702 so that the flexible display 710 cantransition into a planar surface when the first device housing 705 andthe second device housing 706 pivot about the hinge 701 to an axiallydisplaced open position from the closed position, and the second devicehousing 706 and the third device housing 707 pivot about the secondhinge 702 to an axially displaced open position from the closedposition. Accordingly, in this illustrative embodiment the flexibledisplay 710 passes between the first device housing 705 and the seconddevice housing 706, around the third hinge 703, and along an exterior703 of the third device housing 707 when both the first hinge 701 andthe second hinge 702 are in the closed position.

The electronic device 700 could include only the first device housing705, the second device housing 706, and the third device housing 707,with the flexible display coupled to the third device housing 707 at anedge above the first hinge 701. However, the stack can repeat, with thenumber of device housings and hinges being determined by application.For example, in FIG. 7 a third hinge 703 couples the third devicehousing 707 to a fourth device housing 708. The flexible display 710spans the interior of the third hinge 703. The fourth device housing 708defines another curvilinear recess 714 that forms at least some of theflexible display 710 into another asymmetrical service loop 715 when thethird device housing 707 and the fourth device housing 708 pivot aboutthe third hinge 703 from an axially displaced open position to theclosed position shown in FIG. 7.

A fourth hinge 704 and a fifth device housing 709 can then be configuredas are the second hinge 702 and the third device housing 707, and soforth. This process can repeat until the desired number of hinges andhousings are in place to provide a flexible display having a desiredlength when all device housings are pivoted about their correspondinghinges to open displaced positions. The embodiment of FIG. 7 provides anaccordion fold device that can accommodate flexible displays ofessentially any length desired.

While displays in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure havegenerally spanned the interior of device housings to this point,embodiments of the disclosure contemplate that they could span theexterior as well. Turning now to FIG. 8, illustrated therein is one suchembodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, an electronic device 800 includes a plurality ofhinges 801,802 and a plurality of device housings 805,806,807. Asbefore, a first hinge 801 couples a first device housing 805 to a seconddevice housing 806. A flexible display 810 extends across the firstdevice housing 805 and spans the hinge 801 about an exterior of theelectronic device 800.

However, rather than the second device housing 606 terminating at anedge, it terminates instead at a second hinge 802. The flexible display810 extends across an exterior of the second device housing 806. Theflexible display then and spans the second hinge 802 about the exteriorof the electronic device 800, terminating at a location on the thirddevice housing 807.

To facilitate the flexible display 810 extending flat when theelectronic device 800 is unfolded, a third hinge could be included atlocation 808. This third hinge would rotate in the opposite direction tohinge 801, much in the same way a watchband made from coupled links canrotate. This would transition location 808 from an acute angle to flat.Sliding plates, as previously described, could then work to extend theflexible display 810 about the exterior of the electronic device 800.Additionally, a mechanical stop could be placed between the third devicehousing 807 and the first device housing 805 to prevent pinching.

Shown in the closed position in FIG. 8, the first device housing 805 issituated between the second device housing 806 and the third devicehousing 807. The first device housing 805 and the second device housing806 are pivoted about the first hinge 801 from the axially displacedopen position to the closed position. Similarly, the third devicehousing 807 and the second device housing 806 are pivoted about thesecond hinge 802 from the axially displaced open position to the closedposition. This forms a trifold device, much like a wallet.

Turning now to FIG. 9, illustrated therein are various embodiments ofthe disclosure. At 901, an electronic device comprises a first devicehousing and a second device housing. At 901, the electronic devicecomprises a hinge coupling the first device housing to the second devicehousing. At 901, the first device housing is pivotable about the hingerelative to the second device housing. At 901, the electronic devicecomprises a flexible display coupled to the first device housing and thesecond device housing and spanning the hinge. At 901, one housing of thefirst device housing or the second device housing defines a curvilinearrecess causing the flexible display to define a service loop, theservice loop comprising a hemi-cardioid contour defining a convex lobeextending to a bifurcated distal cusp, when the first device housing andthe second device housing pivot about the hinge from an axiallydisplaced open position to a closed position.

At 902, the first portion of the hemi-cardioid contour of 901, which isdisposed to a first side of an axis bisecting the bifurcated distalcusp, defines both a convex contour and a concave contour abutting thecurvilinear recess. At 903, a first radius of the convex contour of 902is less than a second radius of the concave contour.

At 904, another housing of the first device housing or the second devicehousing of 902 defines a linear recess into which the flexible displayis positioned. At 905, a second portion of the hemi-cardioid contour of904, disposed to a second side of the axis bisecting the bifurcateddistal cusp, defines a linear portion extending distally from the convexlobe.

At 906, a radius of the convex lobe of 905 is between two and sixmillimeters, inclusive. At 907, the radius of the convex lobe of 906 isabout five millimeters. At 908, the radius of the convex lobe of 806 isabout three millimeters. At 909, a first radius of the convex contour of908 is less than a second radius of the concave contour.

At 910, the service loop of 905 becomes planar when the first devicehousing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge to theaxially displaced open position from the closed position. At 911, theelectronic device of 910 further comprises one or more springs biasingthe first device housing away from the second device housing when thefirst device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hingeto the axially displaced open position from the closed position.

At 912, one housing of the first device housing or the second devicehousing of 904 have a cross-sectional thickness that is greater than theanother of the first device housing or the second device housing. At913, the one housing of the first device housing or the second devicehousing of 912 define a recess into which the flexible display ispositioned, wherein the curvilinear recess defines a boundary portion ofthe recess.

At 914, an electronic device comprises a hinge coupling a first devicehousing to a second device housing. At 914, the electronic devicecomprises a flexible display coupled to the first device housing and thesecond device housing and spanning the hinge. At 914, the first devicehousing defines a curvilinear recess forming at least some of theflexible display into an asymmetrical service loop when the first devicehousing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge from anaxially displaced open position to a closed position.

At 915, the first device housing of 914 is thicker, in cross section,than the second device housing. At 916, the asymmetrical service loop of914 comprises a hemi-cardioid contour comprising a convex lobe extendingto a bifurcated distal cusp. At 917 a portion of the hemi-cardioidcontour of 916 defines a convex contour and a concave contour. At 917,the concave contour has a radius greater than the convex contour.

At 918, the asymmetrical service loop of 917 of transforms to define aplanar portion of the flexible display when the first device housing andthe second device housing pivot about the hinge to the axially displacedopen position from the closed position. At 919, the electronic device of914 further comprises another hinge coupling a third device housing toone of the first device housing or the second device housing, whereinthe flexible display passes between the first device housing and thesecond device housing, around the another hinge, and along an exteriorof the third device housing when both the hinge and the second hinge arein the closed position. At 920 the electronic device of 914 furthercomprises another hinge coupling a third device housing to the seconddevice housing, wherein the first device housing is situated between thesecond device housing and the third device housing when both the firstdevice housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge fromthe axially displaced open position to the closed position and the thirddevice housing and the second device housing pivot about the anotherhinge from the axially displaced open position to the closed position.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the presentdisclosure have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in theart appreciates that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forthin the claims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the disclosurehave been illustrated and described, it is clear that the disclosure isnot so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations,substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure asdefined by the following claims. For example, while bending was theprimary mode of changing a geometry of an electronic device, themulti-link hinges described herein could be used with other techniques,such as flexible housing portions, that allow squeezing, stretching,pulling, and shaking also to be used to change the geometry of anelectronic device.

Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of present disclosure. Thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeatures or elements of any or all the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device, comprising: a first devicehousing and a second device housing; a hinge coupling the first devicehousing to the second device housing, the first device housing pivotableabout the hinge relative to the second device housing; a flexibledisplay coupled to the first device housing and the second devicehousing and spanning the hinge; and a flexible conductor positionedbetween the flexible display and the hinge; wherein one housing of thefirst device housing or the second device housing defines a curvilinearrecess causing the flexible display to define a service loop when thefirst device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hingefrom an axially displaced open position to a closed position, theservice loop comprising a hemi-cardioid contour defining a convex lobeextending to a bifurcated distal cusp, with a first portion of thehemi-cardioid contour defining both a convex contour and a concavecontour, where a first radius of the convex contour is less than asecond radius of the concave contour; and wherein the service loopbecomes planar when the first device housing and the second devicehousing pivot about the hinge to the axially displaced open positionfrom the closed position.
 2. The electronic device of claim 1, the firstportion of the hemi-cardioid contour disposed to a first side of an axisbisecting the bifurcated distal cusp and abutting the curvilinearrecess.
 3. The electronic device of claim 2, further comprising one ormore springs biasing the first device housing away from the seconddevice housing when the first device housing and the second devicehousing pivot about the hinge to the axially displaced open positionfrom the closed position.
 4. The electronic device of claim 2, whereinanother housing of the first device housing or the second device housingdefines a linear recess into which the flexible display is positioned.5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein a second portion of thehemi-cardioid contour disposed to a second side of the axis bisectingthe bifurcated distal cusp defines a linear portion extending distallyfrom the convex lobe.
 6. The electronic device of claim 4, the onehousing of the first device housing or the second device housing havinga cross-sectional thickness that is greater than the another of thefirst device housing or the second device housing.
 7. The electronicdevice of claim 6, the one housing of the first device housing or thesecond device housing defining a recess into which the flexible displayis positioned, wherein the curvilinear recess defines a boundary portionof the recess.
 8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein a radius ofthe convex lobe is between two and six millimeters, inclusive.
 9. Theelectronic device of claim 8, wherein the radius of the convex lobe isabout five millimeters.
 10. The electronic device of claim 8, whereinthe radius of the convex lobe is about three millimeters.
 11. Theelectronic device of claim 1, the hinge comprising a first cam and asecond cam, the flexible display positioned between the first cam andthe second cam.
 12. The electronic device of claim 1, the flexibleconductor providing mechanical support for the flexible display when thefirst device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hingeto the axially displaced open position from the closed position.
 13. Theelectronic device of claim 1, the flexible conductor bending when thefirst device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hingebetween the axially displaced open position and the closed position. 14.An electronic device, comprising: a hinge coupling a first devicehousing to a second device housing; a flexible display coupled to thefirst device housing and the second device housing and spanning thehinge; a flexible conductor positioned between the flexible display andthe hinge; and one or more springs; the first device housing defining acurvilinear recess forming at least some of the flexible display into anasymmetrical service loop when the first device housing and the seconddevice housing pivot about the hinge from an axially displaced openposition to a closed position; and the one or more springs biased toflatten the flexible display into an elongated position when the firstdevice housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge fromthe closed position to the axially displaced open position.
 15. Theelectronic device of claim 14, wherein the first device housing isthicker, in cross section, than the second device housing.
 16. Theelectronic device of claim 14, further comprising one or more othersprings biasing the first device housing away from the second devicehousing when the first device housing and the second device housingpivot about the hinge to the axially displaced open position from theclosed position.
 17. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein theasymmetrical service loop comprises a hemi-cardioid contour comprising aconvex lobe extending to a bifurcated distal cusp, with a portion of thehemi-cardioid contour defining a convex contour and a concave contour,the concave contour having a radius greater than the convex contour. 18.The electronic device of claim 14, the asymmetrical service looptransforming to define a planar portion of the flexible display when thefirst device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hingeto the axially displaced open position from the closed position.
 19. Theelectronic device of claim 14, further comprising another hinge couplinga third device housing to one of the first device housing or the seconddevice housing, wherein the flexible display passes between the firstdevice housing and the second device housing, around the another hinge,and along an exterior of the third device housing when both the hingeand the another hinge are in the closed position.
 20. The electronicdevice of claim 14, further comprising another hinge coupling a thirddevice housing to the second device housing, wherein the first devicehousing is situated between the second device housing and the thirddevice housing when both the first device housing and the second devicehousing pivot about the hinge from the axially displaced open positionto the closed position and the third device housing and the seconddevice housing pivot about the another hinge from the axially displacedopen position to the closed position.